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WHAT THEATRE MAJORS LEARN:

25 ADVANTAGES OF MAJORING IN THEATRE

condensed from an article by Louis E. Catron

 

           “What can I do with a theatre major if a career in theatre doesn’t work out or is slow to get started?” In an article originally published in Dramatics magazine, theatre educator Louis E. Catron has tried to answer this question for both those students who have decided to make theatre their career and those who may be considering a theatre major from a number of other options.

            Catron refers to author John Munschauer’s book Jobs for English Majors and other Smart Persons who states that there are basically two types of jobs:

·       “Professional work” that requires  special training such as law, medicine, architecture, etc. and,

·       “Trait-oriented work” for which employers seek workers with special traits such as communication skills, imagination, reasoning ability, etc.

            Obviously, a Theatre Major will be prepared to enter the professional world of theatre or to pursue graduate studies , but  Theatre training also  provides valuable preparation for many of the innumerable careers that fall into the category of “trait oriented work.”. A student who majors in theatre needs to be aware of the many skills that are learned as a theatre major and they need to be aware that they are a stronger candidate for employment across the board than they may think. The theatre student also needs to be sure to let prospective employers know how well they are prepared to succeed, better prepared in fact, that most students who majored in other fields.

 25 Special Advantages of a Theatre Major

 ·       Oral Communication Skills

·       Creative problem solving abilities

·       Getting it done right

·       Motivation and Commitment

·       Willingness to work cooperatively

·       The ability to work independently

·       Time budgeting skills

·       Initiative

·       Respect for deadlines

·       Acceptance of rules

·       The ability to learn quickly and correctly

·       Respect for colleagues

·       Respect for authority

·       Adaptability and flexibility

·       The ability to work under pressure

·       A healthy self image

·       Acceptance of disappointment and the ability to bounce back from it

·       Self discipline

·       A goal oriented approach to  work

·       Concentration

·       Dedication

·       A Willingness to accept responsibility

·       Leadership skills

·       Self confidence

·       Positive attitude